Ian Garry wants Shavkat Rakhmonov in December. Shavkat wants Ian to get real.
Ian Garry is already planning his return to the cage, and he has a date and opponent in mind.
“The Future” had a tough fight against Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303, grinding out a grappling-heavy decision after discovering how fast Page is on his feet. It wasn’t the kind of performance that improved Garry’s ranking in the minds of many fans, but he’s still looking to move onwards and upwards for his next fight.
“December 2024. Undefeated vs. Undefeated,” Garry wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Let’s make it happen! Shavkat Rakhmonov.”
100% finish rate VS 53% finish rate. It won’t even be close if it happens @iangarryMMA https://t.co/nJaglUmnBp
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) July 21, 2024
The UFC has a big pay-per-view event that’s expected to go down mid-December. It’s also rumored that Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return against Michael Chandler on that date. We guess Ian Garry has also heard these rumors, which is why he’s angling to share a card with his hero.
As for Shavkat Rakhmonov, the No. 3 ranked welterweight has trained with Garry in the past and always seems perplexed then the brash young fighter calls him out.
“100% finish rate vs. 53% finish rate,” Shavkat wrote on social media in response to Garry’s comment. “It won’t even be close if it happens, Ian Garry.”
Garry’s career has gotten a bit up-and-down as he continues to climb up the rankings. When things get tough, Ian reverts from a stylish striker to conservative tactician, willing to do whatever it takes to edge rounds for a victory. That led to UFC CEO Dana White suggesting his win over “MVP” should have been a draw.
Will he send the Irish prospect up to the very top of the division against Shavkat after a performance like that? It doesn’t seem wise, but then again Garry keeps winning, even if it isn’t spectacular.